CAMDEN — Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday announced that the state will provide $50 million to renovate Camden High School, stating students at the nearly century-old school deserve a "21st Century building."

The funds are being released by the state Schools Development Authority (SDA), which is currently funding 41 similar rehabilitation and construction projects across New Jersey, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

"What's holding them back is the building itself," said the governor. "Not the quality of the teachers, and not the effort of the students and not the effort of their parents."

According to Camden Schools Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard, the SDA will begin the bidding process for an architect in the early part of 2015. Construction wouldn't likely begin for at least a few years, he added.

Among Camden High School's numerous structural issues are a chronically problematic boiler system, HVAC issues, inefficient windows, electrical wiring, and a roof in need of work.

The governor also stated the $50 million would also go toward improving the technological capabilities at the school.

"When you have an improved school environment, he have an improved education," he said.

The state had years ago promised the city $100 million to revitalize Camden High School, a project approved in 2008 by then-Gov. Jon Corzine. However, it was among 40 school projects across the state axed by Christie in 2011, when the governor announced the restructuring of the state's school construction program.

Following Christie's remarks, the superintendent took the opportunity make an announcement of his own — the creation of technical education program at Camden High School.

According to Rouhanifard, the vocational program would be one of four new "independent learning communities" the district would establish at the school, which would also include pathways to college.

"Our plan here is to create four independent learning communities, providing a direct link to college, and we will also commit to providing students with a choice to begin in career training," he said. "One of those communities will focus on career and technical education."

Later, the superintendent said the district could introduce aspects of the technical education program in the next school year.

Tuesday marked Christie's fourth official appearance in Camden since June.